Check your license status directly through the Georgia Department of Driver Services

You can find out whether your Georgia driver's license is suspended by checking your status through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) website or by calling their office. The fastest way is online: go to the DDS website, select "License Status Check," and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will tell you when ready whether your license is active, suspended, revoked, or cancelled.

If you prefer to call, contact the Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400. Have your driver's license number ready. They can confirm your status over the phone, though you may wait on hold during busy times. If you need a written record of your status for court or employment purposes, you can request an official status letter from DDS, which takes a few business days to arrive by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • The Georgia DDS website's License Status Check tool shows your suspension status when ready using your license number and date of birth.
  • Common reasons for suspension in Georgia include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, and medical suspension after a seizure or loss of consciousness.
  • If your license is suspended, you must resolve the underlying reason before you can request reinstatement through DDS.
  • Driving on a suspended license in Georgia is a criminal offense that can result in arrest, fines, and jail time.

Why your Georgia license might be suspended

Georgia suspends driver's licenses for several specific reasons, and knowing which one applies to you matters because each has a different path to reinstatement. The most common cause is unpaid traffic fines or court costs. If you received a ticket and did not pay the fine by the important date, the court reports you to DDS and your license is suspended automatically.

Other frequent reasons include failure to appear in court for a traffic violation, unpaid child support ordered by the state, and medical suspension (which happens after you report a seizure, loss of consciousness, or certain medical conditions to DDS). You can also be suspended for accumulating too many points on your driving record—12 points in 24 months, 18 points in 36 months, or 24 points in 60 months. Out-of-state convictions and violations of the Implied Consent Law (refusing a breath or blood test) also trigger suspension.

What to do if your license is suspended

Once you know why your license is suspended, you must resolve that specific issue before DDS will reinstate it. If the suspension is for unpaid fines, contact the court that issued the ticket and pay what you owe. The court will notify DDS that the debt is cleared, but reinstatement does not happen automatically—you still need to request it through DDS.

If you failed to appear in court, you must go to the court and resolve the case, which usually means appearing before a judge. For child support suspension, contact the Georgia Department of Human Services or your local child support office to make arrangements or prove the debt is paid. For medical suspension, you will need a letter from your doctor stating that the condition no longer affects your ability to drive safely, and you must submit it to DDS along with a reinstatement request.

Once the underlying issue is resolved, you can request reinstatement through DDS online, by mail, or in person at a DDS office. There is a reinstatement fee (the amount varies depending on the reason for suspension), and processing takes several business days. DDS will mail you a new license or a notice confirming your reinstatement.

The consequences of driving on a suspended license in Georgia

Driving while your license is suspended in Georgia is a criminal offense, not just a traffic violation. A first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail, a fine of $250 to $1,000, or both. Your vehicle can be impounded, and you will face additional court costs and fees on top of the original suspension reason.

A second offense within five years increases the penalty: up to 12 months in jail and a fine of $500 to $1,000. If you cause an accident or injure someone while driving suspended, the charges become more serious. Even a minor traffic stop can result in arrest if an officer runs your license and discovers the suspension, so it is not worth the risk.

How to request reinstatement through Georgia DDS

After you have resolved the reason for your suspension, you can request reinstatement online through the DDS website, by mail, or in person at any DDS office. Online reinstatement is the fastest option if your suspension was for unpaid fines or court costs—you can pay the reinstatement fee directly and receive confirmation within hours.

If you are requesting reinstatement by mail, send a letter to the Georgia Department of Driver Services with your name, driver's license number, date of birth, and proof that you have resolved the suspension reason (such as a court receipt showing fines paid or a letter from child support services). Include a check or money order for the reinstatement fee. Mail it to the address listed on the DDS website.

In-person reinstatement at a DDS office takes about 15 minutes. Bring your driver's license, proof of resolution, and payment for the reinstatement fee. You can find the nearest DDS office location on their website. Some offices accept walk-ins, but calling ahead to confirm hours and current wait times is a good idea.

What happens if you ignore a suspension notice

If you receive notice that your license is suspended and do not take action, the suspension remains in effect indefinitely until you request reinstatement. Your license does not automatically reactivate after a certain period—you must actively resolve the issue and request reinstatement yourself.

Ignoring the suspension also means you cannot legally drive, and any traffic stop puts you at risk of arrest. If you move out of state, Georgia's suspension follows you through the Interstate Compact, which means other states will recognize the suspension and can enforce it. Some states will not issue you a new license until Georgia clears the suspension.

Checking your driving record for points and violations

Your license can be suspended for accumulating too many points, so it is worth checking your driving record to see where you stand. You can order your official Georgia driving record through the DDS website or by mail. The record shows every traffic violation, conviction, and point on your license for the past three to five years.

Points stay on your record for different lengths of time depending on the violation. A speeding ticket is typically 2 to 4 points and remains for three years. A reckless driving conviction is 4 points and stays for five years. If you are close to the suspension threshold (12 points in 24 months), being aware of it gives you a chance to drive more carefully or take a defensive driving course, which can reduce points in some cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to reinstate a suspended license in Georgia?

Online reinstatement for unpaid fines takes a few hours to one business day. Reinstatement by mail takes 5 to 10 business days after DDS receives your request. In-person reinstatement at a DDS office is when ready if all requirements are met and payment is processed.

Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended in Georgia?

Georgia does not issue hardship or restricted licenses for most suspension reasons. However, if your suspension is for medical reasons, you may be able to request a conditional license after your doctor provides clearance. Contact DDS to ask about your specific situation.

What is the reinstatement fee in Georgia?

The reinstatement fee varies by the reason for suspension and ranges from $50 to $210. DDS will tell you the exact amount when you check your license status or contact them by phone.

If I move to another state, does my Georgia suspension follow me?

Yes. Georgia is part of the Interstate Compact, which means other states recognize your suspension. You cannot legally drive in another state, and that state may refuse to issue you a new license until Georgia clears the suspension.

Can I dispute a suspension if I think it is wrong?

Yes. If you believe your suspension was issued in error, contact the Georgia DDS directly with documentation supporting your claim. For suspensions related to court fines or child support, you may also request a hearing before the court or agency that ordered the suspension.